Also known as winterbloom or spotted alder, is a flowering shrub common in North America. A soothing and mild astringent, extracted from the bark and leaves of the plant, which helps shrink pores, making it an ideal natural astringent/pore minimizing plant for all skin types, beneficial for both oily and dry mature skin, commonly found in anti-aging products, as well as in products for blemished or acne-prone skin, I love witch hazel in my toners. It is also historically used to treat skin irritations, inflammation, bruises, insect bites and burns.

If you’re lucky enough to have a witch hazel bush growing nearby when you have a sore throat, you can easily make witch hazel tea by soaking some leaves and twigs in a cup of very hot water. Add a few cloves for flavor and soak for at least 15 minutes. Then, strain off the solids and gargle with the tea. Because of witch hazel’s ability to soothe and reduce swelling, this is an excellent, ancient remedy for sore throats.